New Silicon Valley BART extension cost increases raise questions

The future of the Silicon Valley BART extension has once again been thrown into doubt, after transit officials revealed this week the multibillion-dollar project is not on course to meet its budget targets. The plan to bring BART service to downtown San Jose and Santa Clara has faced increasing financial roadblocks caused by a variety of factors, including a nationwide spike in construction costs as well as project delays, according to officials with VTA, the public transit agency overseeing the effort. The cost increases make it unlikely VTA will be able to deliver the four-station extension under the current budget target of $12.7 billion — prompting the project’s backers to consider major revisions. Tom Maguire, chief megaprojects officer for VTA, said it is too soon to provide an updated cost estimate, but that more details will be presented in December to the full board — comprised of elected officials from throughout Santa Clara County.

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